Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic might look a bit different, but it continues to affect friends, neighbors, and families unable to provide Thanksgiving dinner to their families. For those who might be struggling this holiday season, the Salvation Army is stepping up to be that Thanksgiving gift as COVID-19 has caused many families to face hardships they never had to face before.
Lt. Brandon Kyle with the Salvation Army in Kenai said that they are going to do the Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner again this year:
“This year, we’re going to try our drive through Thanksgiving meal one more time. Our hope is that next year we’ll be able to meet in person. It’s a drive through. You can stop by between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. If you can’t make it at 1:00pm, we’ll still have meals available, but primarily 11-1. Come by for a Thanksgiving meal and we’ll have to-go meals prepared by volunteers throughout the community. For those who are homebound or cannot make it us for whatever reason, you’re welcome to call our social services. We have a delivery option for those that are primarily homebound or cannot get transportation to do the drive-through. We’re happy to deliver it. We have volunteers from the community going out as far as Nikiski, Kasilof, even Sterling. All directions and everywhere in between to make sure that folks can enjoy a hot Thanksgiving meal.”
Kyle said that it’s not just about the Thanksgiving meal:
“It’s really not just about a meal. It’s about that connection and that community and getting to visit with someone else and just having that good ol’ spirit. We’re just hoping that when we make our deliveries that we’re able to connect with people, share a little bit of time together, chat, and let folks know that they’re not alone and that there’s folks thinking about them.”
To sign up for a delivered Thanksgiving meal from the Salvation Army, call their social services number at (907) 283-4035. Last year, Kyle said that over 140 meals were delivered to those that needed them.
